Today Fr Paul Gooley reads from the Gospel of Luke (24: 13-35) in which two followers of Jesus were on the road to a village called Emmaus, as they walked along discussing all that had happened in Jerusalem, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them but they did not recognise him.

Fr Paul says this attractive and delicate story is a story of the journey to faith in the Risen Christ.

The two disciples start off deep in depression and disappointment. But they are open-minded and willing to learn as the Stranger explains to them from scripture the meaning of events. Their hearts burn within them at the Stranger’s words, but their eyes remain closed. It is only in the sacramental meal that they recognise the Risen Christ.

The Eucharist is a sacrament of initiation, bringing us to the intimate, personal encounter with Christ.

Once they have been enlightened and have learnt the profound meaning of the events, the truth of the scriptures and the resurrection, then the disciples return to the Holy City and carry on their own Christian apostolate by spreading the news of the resurrection.

Today’s Gospel Challenge, which Fr Paul invites us to reflect and pray on: This is what all of us are called to do – We are all called to understand and then pass on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection.